March 2008 Archives
The term "laser" is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A typical laser emits light in a narrow, low-divergence monochromatic (single-coloured, if the laser is operating in the visible spectrum), beam with a well-defined wavelength. In this way, laser light is in contrast to a light source such as the incandescent light bulb, which emits light over a wide area and over a wide spectrum of wavelengths.
The first working laser was demonstrated in May 1960 by Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories. Since then, lasers have become a multi-billion dollar industry.
A typical laser emits light in a narrow, low-divergence monochromatic (single-coloured, if the laser is operating in the visible spectrum), beam with a well-defined wavelength. In this way, laser light is in contrast to a light source such as the incandescent light bulb, which emits light over a wide area and over a wide spectrum of wavelengths.
The first working laser was demonstrated in May 1960 by Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories. Since then, lasers have become a multi-billion dollar industry.
- The most widespread use of lasers is in optical storage devices such as compact disc and DVD players, in which the laser scans the surface of the disc.
- Other common applications of lasers are bar code readers and laser pointers.
- In industry, lasers are used for cutting steel and other metals and for inscribing patterns.
- Lasers are also commonly used in various fields in science, especially spectroscopy.
- Lasers are used by the military for target identification and illumination for weapons delivery.
- Lasers used in medicine are used for internal surgery and cosmetic applications.
Basic and cost-effective lighting efficiency for businesses
- Turn off lights (and other equipment) when not in use. High utility costs often include paying for energy that is completely wasted by equipment left “on” for long periods while not in use.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), wherever appropriate. CFLs cost about 75% less to operate, and last about 10 times longer. Their prices are dramatically lower now than when first introduced.
- Install switch plate occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn lighting off when no one is present, and back on when people return. Even good equipment can be installed wrong, so don’t install the sensor behind a coat rack, door, bookcase, etc. It must be able to “see” an approaching person’s motion to turn on the light before, or as they enter an unlit area.
- Adjust lighting to your actual needs; use free “daylighting.”
- To prevent glare, eyestrain, and headaches, do not “over-light.” Too much light can be as bad for visual quality as too little light - and it costs a lot more.
- Install ENERGY STAR qualified exit signs. These exit signs can dramatically reduce maintenance by eliminating lamp replacement and can save $10 dollars per sign annually in electricity costs while preventing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Consider upgrading from older T12 (1.5" diameter) tubes with magnetic ballasts to more efficient T8 (1" diameter) fluorescent lamp tubes with solid-state electronic ballasts.
